British Columbia Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines
Press Communique

BCCHRP Heralds the Success of its AGM 2005!

October 14, 2005

Participants of the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the British Columbia Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (BCCHRP) in one and a half decades are celebrating their success. Roughly 30 people attended it and 25 signed up as members at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church’s “Cedar Cottage” in Vancouver. Reverend Margaret left a message of well wishes and support and many supporters who could not attend sent messages of solidarity and bought memberships.

The meeting reviewed the organization’s history and busy track record of activity that has not let up in 22 years, making use of the assessment provided at BCCHRP’s 20th Anniversary celebration. The Acting Chair introduced a draft historical record and the participants discussed it in the context of the escalating human rights abuses in the Philippines as the so-called “war on terror” fiercely wages war against the people and the popular resistance in turn mounts the world over. Weighing the significance of the historical developments and with a few additions and clarifications, the meeting accepted the report unanimously by consent.

After animated open discussion, the AGM quickly united around a new constitution, executive body, and the foundations for a programme of action to be executed over the next 12 months. The new Coordinating Committee will build on the approved guide to action according to the available resources and changing circumstances. The work will focus on the problem of militarization—encouraged and supported by US imperialism—and the human rights abuses carried out through state repression. The thrust of its activity will be sector-based outreach, enhanced communications and further research so as to improve its education and solidarity building capabilities. It will carry out specific activity to build solidarity for the movement to oust the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo government and put forward the report and calls of the International Solidarity Mission and People’s Tribunal (2005), including the call to the Canadian government to oppose human rights violations and withdraw support for the Philippine government. Its programme allows for BCCHRP to participate in the events being organized by the International League of People’s Struggle in Vancouver while continuing its own work. This approach to the work leaves the organization open to responding to urgent actions, speaking out on a wide variety of issues (including the international campaign to Defend Sison, mining, political prisoners…), and expressing general solidarity for human rights internationally.

NEW CONSTITUTION

The new constitution characterizes BCCHRP as an organization formed to express solidarity and generate support for the struggle of the Filipino people for their human rights in the framework of their struggle for national liberation and social emancipation. It allows for the evolution of BCCHRP’s perspective in the course of its association with the International League of Peoples’ Struggles. It creates a flexible structure that enables the organization to expand or reduce its activity as resources and needs allow.

NEW COORDINATING COMMITTEE
The following persons were elected to the Coordinating Committee offices by acclamation.
Chairperson: Barb Waldern
Vice-Chairperson: Erie Maestro
Secretary/Treasurer: Beth Dollaga
Contact: BCCHRP, c/o 451 Powell Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A-1G7, 604-215-1905
www.kalayaancentre.net / bcchrp@kalayaancentre.net